The second in a series of ten experimental houses from the early career of Peter Eisenman.

About this creation

Now known for his work on big projects like the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin and the Wexner Center at Ohio state University, in the 1960s Peter Eisenman was much more of an architectural theorist.

Constructed in 1969, as a summer house on top of a hill in Vermont, the theory behind House II had more to do with abstract notions of spatial geometry than any idea of habitability or comfort.

Based upon a 3x3x2 grid, the elements of the building attempt to subvert that grid, but always in a rigourously logical fashion, according to a set of rules in Eisenman's head.

The part-walls and columns are an attempt to create an interplay of space and light, such as exists around trees, which were absent on the site originally. The experiences of being inside and outside are inverted.

The end result of all this is a building on a barren hilltop with a strange kind of abstract beauty. It's usefulness as a house is more open to question.

The people for whom it was built, who paid for it, hated it. They never lived there and it fell into disuse and neglect; finally, dereliction.

Ten years ago it was rescued, by a couple who bought it simply because they liked it, not knowing of it's significance or it's architect.

They soon discovered what they had, and set about restoring it to something like it's original design - the first owners had mucked about with it quite a bit in an unsuccessful attempt to make it more agreeable to them.

The version I've built here is closest to Eisenman's original design, with one or two minor deviations to account for the bricks I had at my disposal.

It's pretty much as it looks now, minus the porch added to the front door and a small extension to the side.

Few things divide opinion quite like a house like this. As a fan of modern architecture, I understand it and like it, although I'm not blind to it's flaws.

The first owners wanted something more 'homely', but that does beg the question; why go to Peter Eisenman ? That said, they did deserve something that didn't leak or cost a fortune to maintain - which they didn't get.

Quoting StoveTop Creator
I'm fascinated with all these types of modern designs... Of course, I have visited several Frank L Wright ones. But then, I like Georgian designs too! Oh, I thought the same thing as Barto... flat roof=potential leak problems?!

You're both right - especially in snowy Vermont... I love the work of FLW as well, pity most of it is so far away from me!

I'm fascinated with all these types of modern designs... Of course, I have visited several Frank L Wright ones. But then, I like Georgian designs too! Oh, I thought the same thing as Barto... flat roof=potential leak problems?!

Nice work, Nick! Your version and the original blend seamlessly. But when I looked at the real one, first thing that came to mind was, "I bet the roof leaks'. I guess that was a problem for the owners?

Quoting MortalSwordsman .
What a fantastic building and your recreation of it is excellent. I am a fan of modern architecture too and I can see the “interplay of space and light” principle especially in the third from last photo. Great build Nick

Glad to hear from a fellow fan. Thanks Joe. This is one of those works that takes a bit of getting to know. The experience of re-creating it has taught me a lot.

What a fantastic building and your recreation of it is excellent. I am a fan of modern architecture too and I can see the “interplay of space and light” principle especially in the third from last photo. Great build Nick

Quoting Henrik Hoexbroe
Mr. Barrett! I swaer, I had *NO* idea that this is your build. I just clicked on it, because it seemed interessting. Then when I got to the end and was about to leave a comment, I saw your icon, and thought; "Oh, so Nick´s commented already. Typical!" THEN I saw that you were actually the builder! -What a pleasant surprise!!! I like this build a LOT! It´s absolutly fantastic, -and thank you also for the informative comments!

Mr. Barrett! I swaer, I had *NO* idea that this is your build. I just clicked on it, because it seemed interessting. Then when I got to the end and was about to leave a comment, I saw your icon, and thought; "Oh, so Nick´s commented already. Typical!" THEN I saw that you were actually the builder! -What a pleasant surprise!!! I like this build a LOT! It´s absolutly fantastic, -and thank you also for the informative comments!

Nick, this is beautiful! I had no idea who built this when I saw it on my homepage until I clicked on it, you've done a wonderful job recreating this house. And it was interesting reading the history too, thanks, and fantastic work!

Quoting Tom Simon
Who needs livability when it looks like that? Actually, I would have to agree with the first owners that it should not have leaked. That is poor engineering. And good engineering is not an enemy of vision or artistry. Now tell us, how do your mini and maxi figs feel about living in this house?

Agreed. As for figs, the minis are too small (slightly) and the maxis are too big. Somehow it looks more at home out of context.

Who needs livability when it looks like that? Actually, I would have to agree with the first owners that it should not have leaked. That is poor engineering. And good engineering is not an enemy of vision or artistry. Now tell us, how do your mini and maxi figs feel about living in this house?